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School district salaries released for top-paid managers

The superintendent of the Abbotsford school district was the 10th highest paid in B.C. for the 2011-12 school year, according to the latest figures released by the Public Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC).

Kevin Godden’s salary and other compensation are in line with where the district falls in terms of its student population.

Abbotsford, with 19,401 students, is the ninth largest district in the province.

Godden was paid $200,155 in the previous school year, which includes his salary of about $158,000, as well as pension, benefits and other compensation, such as a monthly vehicle allowance and parking.

This compares to Surrey, with its top-ranked payout of just under $270,000.

The report indicates that Abbotsford school district secretary-treasurer Ray Velestuk was paid almost $175,000 in 2011-12, while assistant superintendents Steve Carlton, Angus Mackay and Mary-Anne Smirle were each paid between $152,000 and almost $162,000.

A review of the provincial figures shows that the size of the district doesn’t always match the size of the manager’s salary.

Although Surrey, the biggest school district in term’s of student population, paid its superintendent the most, North Vancouver – which is the 11th largest – paid the second-highest amount.

The largest total payout went to former Langley superintendent Cheryle Beaumont, who received just over $444,000, including her salary before she was fired in January 2012, as well as compensation and a $302,000 severance package.

All school districts in the province are required to provide an annual disclosure of executive compensation for those whose base salary is $125,000 or more, for the year ending June 30.

Ten largest B.C. school districts ranked by size of student population as of the 2011/12 school year (numbers from the ministry of education):

1. Surrey (69,461)

2. Vancouver (58,003)

3. Coquitlam (33,611)

4. Burnaby (25,538)

5. Richmond (22,479)

6. Central Okanagan (21,559)

7. Greater Victoria (19,877)

8. Langley (19,603)

9. Abbotsford (19,401)

10. Delta (16,352)

Top 10 districts ranked by amount paid to superintendents:

1. Surrey: $269,982

2. North Van: $245,191

3. Vancouver: $241,724

4. Greater Victoria: $236,510

5. Coquitlam: $229,208

6. Delta: $225,202

7. Richmond: $212,613

8. West Van: $210,952

9. Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows: $209,518

10. Abbotsford: $200,155

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